The University of Oklahoma School of Music, College of Fine Arts seeks a dedicated opera stage director to join a faculty devoted to the development of emerging musicians and teachers in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities:

Directing two mainstage opera productions each year, and working collaboratively with the opera, voice and production areas to select repertoire. Teaching classes in operatic acting and stage directing for graduate and undergraduate singers, and creating and directing the performances with which these classes conclude each semester. Participating in departmental activities and serving on School of Music committees as assigned by the Director, and contributing to School, College and University service, including outreach. Maintaining an active and visible presence in international and national operatic activity as director and artist-teacher. 

General Information:

The OU School of Music, part of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, has been an institutional member of NASM since 1931 and is committed to developing musicians who will shape the future of music. The School offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, and is the only comprehensive music program in Oklahoma. 

OU’s opera program provides training in all aspects of opera, and includes an M.M. in voice with opera emphasis. Our graduates have found careers in performance as well as teaching throughout the U.S. and Europe. OU Opera Theater benefits from the rich resources of OU’s University Theater production system, which includes stage, lighting and costume design. 

Required Qualifications:

Master’s or equivalent graduate degree in a field relevant to opera directing, with significant professional and/or academic opera directing experience.

Desired Qualifications:

Evidence of international and national presence as a director, as seen in productions, participation in festivals and institutes, master classes, etc. Demonstrated outstanding directorial work in professional, pre-professional, university, and/or conservatory settings. Fluency in at least one of the main operatic languages (Italian, German or French) and professional working proficiency in all. Applicants should have a vision for developing singing actors within an ambitious opera program. Most importantly we are interested in candidates who will contribute to the deeply collaborative nature of our opera program, which functions as part of an overarching University Theater program that houses both production and design teams. Applicants should be willing and able to build relationships with other departments within the College, University and the wider community, and be committed to supporting artistic, academic, and inclusive excellence.

Applications should be submitted online via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/114646. 

Please submit 1) a letter of application; 2) a complete curriculum vita; 3) 3 recently-written letters of reference; and 4) contact information for 3 additional references.

Screening will begin November 15, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Jonathan Shames at jshames@ou.edu

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:  admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Diversity Statement 

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.